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REGIONS II ~CITIES
FOR EUROPE
\INTERREGIONAL COOPERATION PROJECTS:
AN INTERIM REPORT ON THE
PROGRESS OF INTERREGIONAL COOPERATION PROJECTS
FUNDED BY THE
EUROPEAN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND
December 1993
RECITE Office, Directorate General for Regional Policy of the Commission of the European Communities
INTERIM REPORT ON
THE PROGRESS OF INTERREGIONAL COOPERATION
NETWORK PROJECTS
FUNDED UNDER ARTICLE 10 OF THE
EUROPEAN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND
December 1993
RECITE OFFICE
The RECITE office luJs been created by the Directonzte Generol for RegioiiiJI Policy and is maii/Jged by:
ECOTEC Research and Consulting Ltd 13b Avenue de Tervuren
B-1040 Brussels Tel: 322 732 78 18
Fax: 322 732 71 11
Priestley House 28-34 Albert Street
Binningluun B47UD
Tel: +44 21 6161010 Fax: +44 21 616 1099
CONTENTS
PAGE
PREFACE ............................................................ 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION - BACKGROUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.1 The Objectives of the Interregional Cooperation Projects ..................... 2 1.2 Monitoring and Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.0 THE ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE OF THE INTERREGIONAL COOPERATION NETWORK PROJEC'I"S . . . • . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.1 The Acceleration of Transfer of Know-how .............................. 7 2.1.1 The transfer of know-how from developed to less favoured regions ......... 8 2.1.2 Transfer of know-how amongst regional and local authorities
and agencies sharing problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 2.1.3 The development of know-how ................................. 10 2.1.4 Improving the mechanisms for the transfer of know-how ............... 10
2.2 Creating Economies of Scale and Economic Linkages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 2.3 Improving the Efficiency of Administrations in Less Favoured Regions .......... 12 2.4 The Development of Community Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 2.5 The Added Value of Interregional Cooperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 2.6 The Continuing Activities of Early Network Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 2.7 Anticipated Future Impacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3.0 FACTORS AFFECTING THE DYNAMICS OF INTERREGIONAL COOPERATION NETWORKS . • . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . • . . . . . . • • . . • • . . • • . . 19
3.1 Rationales and Motivations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 3.2 The Project Strucwre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 3.3 Project Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 3.4 Previous Experience of Interregional Links and Cooperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4.0 CONCLUSIONS . . . . • • . . • . . • • • . . . . . . . . • . . • • . . . • . . . . . . • • . • • • . . . . • • . . . 24
ANNEX 1 Brief summaries of Interregional Cooperation Pilot Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
EXHIBITS
PAGE
Exhibit 1: Thematic and Sectoral Aspects of Network Pilot Projects ................. 3
Exhibit 2: The Timescale of Existing Commitments to Interregional Cooperation Projects supported under Article 10 of the ERDF Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Exhibit 3: ERDF Contribution and Percentage of Total Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Exhibit 4: The Tramfer of Successful Models .of Regional Development through Interregional Cooperation- The Example of Environet ................... 9
Exhibit 5: Interregional Cooperation in the Development of Know-how: The Examples of Polis, Hydre and Compostela Foret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Exhibit 6: New Communication Techniques to enhance Interregional Cooperation: The Examples of Eurisles and Urban Observatory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Exhibit 7: Capacity building through Interregional Cooperation: The Examples of Rebuild and Eurosynet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Exhibit 8: Interregional Cooperation as a means of influencing Community Policy: The Examples of Demilitarised and Arc Atlantic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Exhibit 9: Examples of the "added value" of Interregional Cooperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Exhibit 10:New Forms of Interregional Cooperation stemming from Pilot Projects: The Examples of Eurada, Polis and CAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
The Progress of Article 10 Jnte"egiolllll Coopertllion Network Projects
PREFACE
In August 1992, the Directorate General for Regional Policy, Division A.l created the RECITE office to monitor, evaluate and provide technical assistance to 31 network projects funded under Article 10 of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) regulations. The report is based upon the monitoring work
undertaken during the first year of operation of the RECITE office and has been informed by discussions held with individual projects and a review of documentation prepared by the projects under the terms of the
contracts between the Commission and the projects. The RECITE office has, in addition to its monitoring and evaluation work, organised a seminar of RECITE network managers hosted by the Commission in March 1993,
prepared and published a project management guide and a newsletter and provided, on behalf of the Commission, advice to projects to further regional policy objectives. The RECITE office is managed by ECOTEC Research and Consulting Limited.
Following the introduction, Section 2.0 of this report provides an assessment of the extent to which, so far, the objectives of the interregional cooperation projects have been realised and considers what further impacts can be anticipated. Section 3.0 discusses some of the key factors which have and are influencing the progress of the projects and Section 4.0 provides conclusions and considers the main policy implications of the findings of the monitoring and evaluation work to date. Annex 1 provides brief description of each of the Interregional Cooperation projects funded by Article 10 of the ERDF regulations.
RECITE OJ]fce 1
The Progress of Article 10 lnten-egioiUJI Coopertllion Network Projects
1.0 INTRODUCTION- BACKGROUND
Article 10 of the ERDF regulations established in 1988 enables the Commission to explore innovative means of achieving its regional policy objectives. Thirty six interregional cooperation network projects are amongst the actions funded under this article. Following consultation with the Consultative Council for Regional Policy the first such network projects began in 1990 and 1991. They were established after a process of negotiation between the Commission and organisations of local and regional authorities. In parallel, and following a
decision of the European Parliament a programme of exchange of experience projects involving local and regional authorities was initiated with the first projects being funded in 1989. Actions involving cooperation between authorities in eastern and central europe and in the Community have also been supported by DGXVI within the framework of the OUVERTURE and ECOS programmes. In 1991 a call for proposals for interregional cooperation projects was lawtched and over 200 proposals were received. After an independent appraisal process 21 projects were selected for support. Several of the selected network projects had their origins in exchange of experience projects.
Amongst the 31 projects that have been subject to monitoring and evaluation, 20 (64%) are led by regional and local authorities (10 of these are from Objective 1 priority regions) and in 11 cases the contracts have been made with umbrella organisations. There are 345 partners amongst the projects. 142 (41%) of the partners
are regional and local authorities from the Objective 1 priority regions. Exhibit 1 lists the projects and their key thematic and sectoral characteristics. It should be stressed that these projects are only a small part of the rapidly growing range of interregional cooperation activity much of which does not benefit from Community funding.
1.1 The Objectives of the lnte"egioiUll Cooperation Projects
The documentation accompanying the call for proposals articulated the Commission's objectives and expectations for the projects it could support. These were :
• To encourage the rapid transfer of know-how particularly from more advanced to less advanced regions.
• To create economies of scale through the implementation of common programmes and in response to shared problems and challenges.
• To promote the efficiency of administrations, particularly concerning the regional development process
in less favoured regions.
• To help the development of the Community policies particularly where they have an impact on regional
development.
These objectives provide the main assessment criteria against which the progress of the projects have been
judged in this report.
RECITE OJ]ke 2
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EXHIBIT 2
THE TIMESCALE OF EXISTING COMM"MENTS TO INTERREGIONAL COOPERATION PROJECTS SUPPORTED UNDER ARTICLE 10 OF THE ERDF REGULATIONS
Interregional Networks • 1990 1991 1992 1993. 1994 1995 1996
Transport in 1he Mediterranean .. .... ___ ..._ ___ .,... ___ ._ ___ ........
Pois
Transport Interchanges
Automobie city CAR
Commission des villes
Eurocities
less favoured Regions
Dev~opmentAgenc~s
Olambers of Convnerce
Eurogateway
Mediterranean Tourism
Atlantic regions
Emact
UniversHies
Quartiers en Crise
Euroceram
Hydre
Eurisles
Rocnord
Dyonisos
Ecowat
Scientific cen1Tes
Fin atlantic
Coast
Environet
Sealink
Demilitarised
Technology 1Tansfer
Rebuild
Resigmur
Idee
Compostela foret
Eurosynet
Urban Observatory
Cooperacion economica
S1Tategic planning
_.._ __ ·.·-l:· ---------·. -----·. -----·. ~----!----· .
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• lhe project$ have up to 18 months to submit final reports fOllOWing the f\.ndtng period. lhe chart ndicates the anticipated end date of 1he current prOjeCtS.
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The Progress of Artie/~ 1 II lnl~"egional Coop~l'tllion N~twork Proj~cts
1.2 Monitoring and Evaluation
This report has been prepared at a time when most of the interregional cooperation projects are in progress and within the funding period agreed with the Commission. This is illustrated in Exhibit 2. Hence only partial
and interim conclusions can be drawn at this stage. The total costs and Community's contribution to each project are given in Exhibit 3.
EXHIBIT 3
NAME TOTAL ERDF PERCENTAGE OF COST CONTRIBUTION TOTAL COS!'
1990
Transport in Mediterranean 2.172.000 1.088.000 50% Polis 2.200.000 1.100.000 50% Transport interchanges 550.000 330.000 60% Automobile City CAR 801.750 400.875 50% Commission des villes 1.108.000 554.000 50% Eurocities 1.000.000 500.000 50% Less favoured regiom 1.500.000 900.000 60% Development Agencies 600.000 420.000 70% Chambers of Cormnerce 1.000.000 725.000 72% Eurogateway 1.000.000 500.000 50% Mediterranean Tourism 1.330.000 995.000 76% Atlantic Regions 3.574.970 2.017.500 56% Emact 2.961.000 1.925.000 65% Regions and Universities 1.500.000 900.000 60% Quartiers en Crise 1.167.000 700.200 60%
1991
Euroceram 1.200.000 780.000 65% Hydre 2.500.000 1.750.000 70% Eurisles 2.500.000 1.800.000 72% Rocnord 4.200.000 2.500.000 59% Dyonisos 2.333.333 1.400.000 60%
Ecowat 1.800.000 1.100.000 61% Scientific Centres 3.500.000 2.100.000 60% Finatlantic 1.833.333 1.100.000 60%
Coast 3.000.000 1.800.000 60%
Environet 5.200.000 3.000.000 57%
Sealink 1.070.000 642.000 60%
Dernilitarised 1.500.000 1.125.000 75%
Technology Transfer 3.166.666 1.900.000 60%
Rebuild 2.780.000 1.807.000 65%
Resigmur 3.500.000 2.100.000 60%
Idee 1.911.600 1.242.540 65%
Compostela Foret 3.017.520 1.927.850 63%
Eurosynet 2.470.000 1.605.000 65%
Urban Olxiervatory 1.800.000 900.000 50%
Cooperation Economica 3.500.000 2.450.000 70%
Strate2ic olannin2 2.705.000 1.758.000 65%
TOTAL 77.952.172 47.842.965
RECITE O.!Jke 6
The Progress of Artkle 10 Inu"egional Coopenzlion Network Projects
2.0 THE ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE OF THE INTERREGIONAL CO-OPERATION NETWORK PROJECTS
All of the 36 interregional cooperation pilot projects have progressed within the framework of the contractual
arrangements made with the Commission. In all cases the regional and local authorities and other public
agencies involved in the projects are co-financing the projects' activity by a minimum of 25%. Despite
frequent changes of political control amongst the 345 regional and local authority partners involved in the
project, very few have been unable or unwilling to participate in the project as envisaged at the proposal stage.
In total 6 projects have to-date completed their funding period. Several of those that have done so have
continued their activities and/or led to new types of interregional cooperation (for example, POLIS and
DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES). Those projects which are still within the funding period are in general terms
progressing well although the completion of the projects may take more time than originally anticipated. In
a number of cases modifications have been made regarding the emphasis on different actions and sub projects
and in several projects the original partners have changed, usually because of changes in political leadership
amongst the partner authorities rather than because of disagreements amongst participating partners.
The projects have taken place during a period in which there has been a general increase in interregional
cooperation activities and a variety of networks now exist amongst regional and local authorities many of
which operate without direct financial support from the Community or other third parties. However, there is
little evidence that the volume of specific and focussed interregional cooperation activity such as that
characterised in particular by the 21 most recent projects funded under Article 10 would have occurred without
the Community support and initiative in this area.
It is too early to draw final conclusions on the impact of the interregional co-operation network projects on
the economic performance of the less favoured regions. However, the lead authorities which are mainly drawn
from the priority regions had little or no experience of leading transnational activities prior to their involvement
with these pilot projects. In general terms, their leadership and involvement in the network projects has helped
develop capacity and empower these authorities in so doing helping to reduce feelings of isolation and
peripherality. More specific impacts of the projects relating to each of the four objectives cited above are
discussed below. In addition, observations are made on: the ways in which interregional cooperation has added
value to the projects' activities; the ways in which the early network projects have subsequently developed and
the types of future impacts that can be anticipated.
2.1 The Acceleration of Transfer of Know-how
All the network projects are to some extent involved with the transfer of know-how. The predominant
direction of transfer is from the more developed to the less favoured regions. However, there is also a great
deal of transfer of know-how between regions and local authorities facing similar and specific problems not
necessarily linked closely to their economic context. Also several projects are concerned as much with the
development of know-how as with its transfer and a number of projects are creating new means of transferring
know-how that can underpin (and reduce the future costs of) interregional co-operation.
RECITE 0./Jfee 7
The Progress of A.rtiele 10 lnte"egio1111l Coopenmon Network Projects
2.1.1 The transfer of know-how from developed to less favoured regions
Transfer of know-how from developed to less favoured regions is the central objective of projects such as ROCNORD where the experience of Jutland (DK) in the fields of resource utilisation, tourism, environmental
monitoring and fishery technologies is being brought to bear on the regional development programmes in Crete
(GR) and SEALINK where the symbiotic relations between port and hinterland existing in Lubeck (G) contrast
with those affecting Patras (GR) and Brendisi (1). Other projects have encouraged transfer of know-how
through initiatives such as exchange of personnel, training for local authority personnel (IDEE), mechanisms
for exchanging information and through the wider application of "models" which have proved successful in
one national context, such as ENVIRONET. Exhibit 4 describes further the processes involved in this transfer
of know-how. It is important to recognise that motivations exist for both the receipt and sending of know
how. Less favoured regions are keen to learn from the successful experiences of the more developed regions.
The developed regions are keen to benefit from the exportation of their know-how so as to help develop trade links and the markets for economic activities in their localities.
2.1.2 Transfer of know-how amongst regional and local authorities and agencies sharing problems
Many of the projects have been concerned to transfer know-how concerning shared problems. The authorities involved in projects such as EUROCERAM, CAR, DYONISOS, COAST, EUROCITIES and
DEMll..IT ARISED are characterised by facing similar problems and challenges and much of their activities
involve the identification and exchange of good practice in policy implementation. Such projects do however,
face a potential dilemma in that many other authorities and localities may share the same problems and thus
there exists a pressure to extend the network although this may reduce the effectiveness of the transfer of know-how. Also there is a tendency for the projects to use the combined weight of their memberships and
trans national links to try to influence policy at the national and community levels.
In practice, the potential for the transfer of know-how appears greatest amongst localities which share problems in either of the following two circumstances :
• Where the authorities are of similar character in terms of scale and competence (for example EUROSYNET)
• Where there are a small number of participants and a strong technical and practical orientation (for example with the ECOWAT, REBUU..D and CENTRES SCIENTIFIQUES projects).
Exchanges of personnel, the publishing of hand books, conferences, development of data bases, resource
centres and bespoke training programmes have each been used to enhance the transfer of know-how in these
projects. Projects such as ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION utilise most of these methods.
RECITE 0./Jke 8
The Progress of Af'licle 10 lnJerregiotUJI Coopenzlion Network Projects
EXHIBIT 4
THE TRANSFER OF SUCCESSFUL MODELS OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH INTERREGIONAL COOPERATION • THE EXAMPLE OF ENVIRONET
ENVIRONET is an abbreviation for the "Environment and Health oriented, cost sharing
Network between cities on the periphery of the European Community". It is a new venture whereby know-how concerning health promotion, urban planning, environmental protection and public administration is being transferred from two cities where it is particularly advanced (Horsens and Wiirzburg) to three less favoured cities (Greifswald, Patras and Suhl). The
cornerstone of the transfer is the establishment of "EnviroCentres" in the cities to act as mediators between public agencies, environmental interest groups and the public. At the end of the first year of the project an EnviroCentre had been established in each of the five cities.
All of the centres share some common functions but in addition there are a large number of more focussed bilateral or trilateral actions tailored to the specific needs of two or three cities. The transfer is being achieved through: exchanges and meetings to benefit from existing experience; the identification of specific needs of each city; bespoke training courses; the development of common approaches; and the production of manuals and promotion and material. Key innovations include the involvement of residents in environmental issues, and the preparation of health and environment plans at the district and city scales.
The interregional cooperation also provides weight to local efforts to change organisational and administrative arrangements that otherwise constrain effective interventions to improve the environment and hence enhance the economic and social welfare of the cities.
In the longer tenn the network wishes to expand, gradually introducing new cities at a pace to
enable the continuation of intensive joint working. The work programme of the network project will also enable wider dissemination of the lessons learnt through conferences and other activities.
RECITE OJ.Ike 9
The Progress of Ankle 10 /nJerregiotuJl Coopertllion Network Projects
2.1.3 The development of know-how
POLIS, one of the early network projects was concerned to develop approaches to the use of telematics to improve traffic arrangements in cities. It has been continued with income from services to members and funding for research and development work from the Commission under the DRIVE programme. HYDRE is developing approaches to the long term water resource management issues and other projects such as DYONISOS and COMPOSTELA FORET are exploring innovative approaches with a view to drawing new lessons applicable to many regional contexts. The REBUILD project is concerned to develop and pool knowledge amongst the partners concerning the application of solar energy in the renewal of historic centres. Exhibit 5 further illustrates the ways in which POLIS, HYDRE and COMPOSTELA FORET are contributing to the development of know-how.
2.1.4 improving the mechanisms for the transfer of know-how
The URBAN OBSERVATORY has at its core the development of a system of communication and analysis of data relevant to improved urban management Similarly, EURISLES is creating an information centre
which will facilitate the exchange of infonnation between island regions in the network. One sub project of the IDEE network is specifically concerned with improving telecommunications between project partners. This is also an important aspect of the DIONYSOS project. Exhibit 6 illustrates in more detail how interregional cooperation is improving the mechanisms for the communications and transfer of know-how in the URBAN
OBSERVATORY and EURISLES projects. The collection and processing of data in order to improve its usefulness to project partners as well as the development of the means of communication are important in each
project. The underlying motivation for involvement in these projects should, ultimately, be reflected in the willingness of partners to pay the full costs of the services provided.
2.2 Creating Economies of Scale and Economic Linkages
There are several ways in which the projects are realising economies of scale.
Firstly, several projects involve local authorities sharing the costs of research and feasibility studies addressing
common problems and issues. Examples of this include HYDRE, REBUILD and ECOW AT.
Secondly, economies of scale are being realised through the provision of shared services. One early project, DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES identified the scope for such economies and has subsequently developed into
an association of development agencies called EURADA. Members of the association benefit from the provision of services that would be uneconomic for agencies acting independently.
Thirdly, cooperation between authorities sharing common problems can enable them to involve internationally
renowned experts in their search for good practice approaches and to generate synergies and "added value" that would otherwise be inaccessible.
RECITE O.Jlke 10
The Progress of Artkle 10 Inten-egional Coopel'tllion Network Projecti
EXHmiT 5
INTERREGIOfllAL COOPERATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF KNOW-HOW THE EXAMPLE'S OF POLIS, HYDRE AND COMPOSTELA FORET
The POLIS network (the Promotion of Operational links with Integrated Services of Advanced Transport Telematics) was established with the objective of creating a framework to exchange experience between european cities, to analyse the opportunities for new technologies in transport and to promote political support for demand management policies. These objectives were achieved through a coordinated programme of meetings, surveys, in depth studies and a series of six conferences. During the process five areas were identified (these include automated debiting, advanced traveller information systems, integration mechanisms and urban and regional traffic control) where know-how could be further developed through experiments in road telematics technologies and agreement was reached between 20 cities on a programme of experiments. The immediate added value of interregional cooperation stems from the coordinated testing of different approaches in different contexts. In the longer term there is evidently scope for improvements in the cost effectiveness of systems through the cooperation between the cities and the manufacturers of advanced telematic systems in product development and testing.
The objective of the HYDRE network, which involves regions from Spain, Italy and France is
to create a common, integrated system for monitoring water resources. The system will have both short term application to anticipate risks of droughts, forest fires and erosion etc., and longer term structural applications to help optimise land use planning and development policies. Know-how is being developed by the network through the establishment of a technical directorate which systematically gathers data from the participating regions in order to develop and test a system of remote sensing that can fulfil those applications.
COMPOSfELA FORET involves cooperation between 11 regions where forestry is
economically important in Spain, France and Portugal. The cooperation is concerned with research and the development of know-how as well as the improvement of communications, training and the exchange of persoMel and know-how. One sub-network of the project is concerned with undertaking a series of experiments. The network has created a common framework within which the individual regions will undertake controlled trials, varying factors such as the use of fertilisers, planting densities and the use of genetic variations and it will monitor the impacts on rates of growth and survival rates of trees etc. Climatic and soil factors will also be systematically monitored and the adoption of a common framework will enable the maximum added value to the network participants when the results are analysed.
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EXHIBIT 6
NEW COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES TO ENHANCE INTERREGIONAL
COOPERATION THE EXAMPLES OF EURISLES AND URBAN OBSERVATORY
The EURISLES network has been established to help reduce the problems of remoteness, isolation
and consequent ·lack of development experienced by island regions in the Community. The means
adopted are the development of a shared database and information resource centres in each of the eight
partner regions which are linked telematically. The enhanced availability of data on the characteristic
problems of island regions and their solutions. will be an aid to decision making. The programme of
work involves: close collaboration between partners to achieve harmonisation of information
processing; training and the acquisition of new information technology skills; and the gradual
introduction of more sophisticated communication technologies.
The aim of the URBAN OBSERVATORY is to create a shared database and management decision
support system for use by each of the 10 partner cities. The key tasks are to assemble data that are
sufficiently detailed, comparable and accessible through a "user friendly" interactive database so that
the enhanced information cel:" help inform decision makers involved in urban management. A
particular innovation of the system is the capacity to handle a range ef numerical, graphical,
cartographical and textual information. Interestingly, with a view to possible future market
opportunities involving telecommunication links and information transfers between networks of cities,
the project was able to negotiate favourable terms for the development of software and provision of
hardware from a major european IT company.
In addition some projects have benefitted from the economies already created by the international associations
which are exceptionally well placed to foster links between their members and to identify potential cooperation
activities and partners.
Finally, "economies" of interregional cooperation are also being exploited through the development of
communication links between pons (TRANSPORT IN THE MEDITERRANEAN and ARC ATLANTIQUE)
and close trans-national linkages between authorities and development agencies that can help foster the market
expansion of indigenous companies (EUROGATEWAY).
2.3/mproving the Efficiency of Administrations in Less Favoured Regions
Conclusions cannot yet be drawn on the extent to which the Community's support to inter-regional co
operation projects has improved the efficiency of the administrative processes in less favoured regions. There
are however, three mechanisms through which this is being achieved:
• Where authorities from priority regions have assumed the leadership role in the projects and therefore
been required to enhance their capacity in respect of both providing a political framework for co
operation across national boundaries and co-ordinating the often demanding administrative functions.
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The Progress of Artie/~ 10 lllt~n-egio1111l Coop~rtllion N~twork Proj~cts
This has accelerated the adoption of modem project management and financial accounting methods and helps enhance the skills and competencies of the officers involved. Projects such as SEALINK
and REBUll...D provide examples of this "capacity building" benefit of interregional cooperation. Exhibit 7 gives further details from the REBUll...D and EUROSYNET examples. In some cases consultants with wider experience of transnational co-operation have contributed to this activity during the early stages of the projects.
• Where the projects have been directly concerned with mechanisms to improve administrative efficiency, as for example in the ERNACT project, which is concerned with the application of information technology to local government functions. There are also several projects where improvements in the quality of and access to information are important objectives (for example the EURISLES and URBAN OBSERVATORY projects, see Exhibit 6). Other projects are specifically concerned with functions of local and regional authorities, for example, STRATEGIE DES VILLES is concerned with strategic planning and RESIGMUR with the application of Geographic Information Systems to planning.
• Where the projects are concerned with the identification and communication of good practice in regional development. Here the activities of all the projects concerned with the transfer of know-how are relevant (see Section 2.1).
2.4 The Development of Community Policies
There are in broad terms five mechanisms through which the inter-regional co-operation networks have and are continuing to have an influence on Community policies in the field of regional development.
EXHIBIT 7
CAPACITY BUILDING THROUGH INTERREGIONAL COOPERATION THE EXAMPLES OF REBUILD AND EUROSYNET
REBUILD is a network concerned with Renewable Energies for Buildings in European cities with historical centres. It includes eight partners from six different member states including major cities with historic centres of international renown such as Florence and Amsterdam. The network is led by Corfu in Greece and the establishment of the project structure, the creation of a semi-autonomous project office and their lead role in project management has helped introduce to the authority new information technology skills and the capacity to play a direct and important role in other international cooperation activities.
EUROSYNET is a project involving five partners, each relatively small regions, sharing common
concerns. Approaches to improving the provision of economic, social and environmental services are being enhanced through the exchange of know-how and the implementation of specific projects. Cork,
in Ireland, is the lead partner. The city has enhanced its capacity for playing a lead role in interregional cooperation through the appointment of a full time project manager.
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The Progress of Al'tiele 10 l111e"egiontJI Coopertllion Nelwork ProjeciS
Firstly, transnational exchange of experience through the network projects is improving the quality and
innovatory character of proposals put forward for funding under the Structural Funds at the national level.
For example, the proposals to develop the ports of Patras and Rostock have been informed by the SEALINK
project and the ECOW AT project is exploring holistic approaches to the question of water resource
management that could lead to the specification of innovative "pilot projects" which could increase the
effectiveness of Structural Fund interventions in this domain. In addition, the work of several network projects
is relevant to the improved integration of the Structural Funds. The assessment of the "integrated" approach
to urban renewal undertaken by QUARTIERS EN CRISE is relevant to both the ERDF and European Social
Fund interventions in urban areas. The activities of COMPOSTELA FORET are relevant to the objectives of
FEOGA as well as the ERDF.
Secondly, several of the projects are involved in identifying the scale and characteristics of sectoral economic
change affecting their areas and in developing appropriate responses. For example, those projects whose
partners are linked by the economic importance of sectoral economic activities in their areas : CAR
(automobile manufacture); DEMll...ITARISED (military establishments and defence industries); DYONISOS
(wine growing); EUROCERAM (ceramics); COAST (tourism in coastal towns) and COMPOSTELLA FORET
(forestry) are each concerned to generate effective measures to mitigate economic decline and encourage
effective responses including diversification of the regional economies. The activities of these projects are
relevant to the development of policies at the Community, national and regional levels. For example, the work
of the DEMD..JT ARISED network helped inform the development of the KONVER Community initiative, see
Exhibit 8.
Thirdly, the network projects are helping forge links between regional policy and other aspects of Community
policy. For example, the REBUD....D and ECOWAT projects have built upon work stimulated by Community
energy policy. SEALINK and TRANSPORT IN THE MEDITERRANEAN are relevant to Community
transport policy, ENVIRONET is concerned with the improvement of the urban environment and thus
contributes to both environmental and regional development objectives and several projects have either
emerged in part from research and development activities sponsored by the Community (for example, URBAN
OBSERVATORY which has its origins in part in the work of the Future Assessment of Science and
Technology (FAST) programme) or are providing a platform for research and development work (for example,
POLIS).
Fourthly, a number of projects are generating information and analyses that can provide new insights for policy
formulation at the Community level. For example, QUARTIERS EN CRISE, has undertaken case studies of
the need for and application of the "integrated" approach to neighbourhood renewal in deprived areas of cities
throughout the Community. Similarly, the EURISLES project could be helpful in providing new insights on
the needs and potential of islands in peripheral parts of the Community and the ARC ATLANTIQUE project
which involves contiguous regions bordering the Atlantic is developing proposals for interregional cooperation
concerned with environment, tourism, communications and aspects of the "amenagement du territoire" over
a broad tranche of the Community's territory, see Exhibit 8.
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EXHIBIT 8
INTERREGIONAL COOPERATION AS A MEANS OF INFLUENCING COMMUNITY POLICY THE EXAMPLES OF DEMILITARISED AND ARC ATLANTIC
DEMILITARISED is an acronym for "Decrease in Europe of Military Investment, Logistics and Infrastructure and the Tracing of Alternative Regional Initiatives to Sustain Economic Development". The 16 network participants which were drawn together after an initiative begun by CCRE are developing strategies to counteract the negative effects of force reductions and falling orders for the armaments industry. Amongst the objectives of the network is the creation of a promotion programme at the Community level on behalf of the regions and municipalities most affected by these changes. The impacts are characteristically local and the network is helping to ensure that measures are more effectively mobilised at this level to address the particular needs for retraining, diversification and physical regeneration. These practical considerations were relevant to ·the development of the Community Initiative KONVER.
The network project for regions of the Atlantic (ARC ATLANTIQUE) has its origins in the work of the Atlantic Commission of CRPM. The projects involves the coordination of a variety of sub projects in the fields of interport communications, training for shipping, finance and aquaculture involving sub groups of the total of 15 partners. The notion of cooperation between contiguous regions across national boundaries is at the heart of the Community's activities on the "amenagement du territoire" and those involved with ARC ATLANTIQUE have prepared proposals for more extensive pilot projects that will further develop these aspects of interregional cooperation.
Finally, several of the projects have helped enhance the understanding and effective implementation of Community policy in the regional policy and related areas. For example, EURADA, the organisation which emerged from the DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES project now provides "advance warning" to its members on Commission activities concerned with regional policies and ensures that its members are informed on the issues underlying policy developments through workshops and seminars. Also the existence of links and working relationships between individuals and organisations involved in the network projects (and one or other of the many interregional co-operation networks not directly funded by the Community) tends to enhance the quality of proposals made for funding transnational activities funded by the Community.
2.5 The Added Value of lnte"egional Cooperation
Exhibit 9 illustrates some of the different ways in which interregional cooperation are adding value to the wider processes of regional development These processes include the joint commissioning of research and feasibility studies, synergy and the development and processing of information. The involvement of indiyidual authorities in interregional cooperation can also add weight to policy debates held at the member state level. For example, trans-national cooperation amongst authorities experiencing particular economic and social changes due to international factors (for example demilitarisation and reductions in the levels of production
RECrrE OJ]fce 15
The Progress of Article 10 IIIJen'egioiUJI CoopertJJion Network Projects
of car manufacturing) may enable authorities to both prepare better response strategies and to marshal arguments for resources at the national level more effectively.
2.6 The Continuing Activities of Early Network Projects
Exhibit 10 describes the ways in which certain of the early projects have continued (POUS, CAR and DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES). Other projects that have completed their funding periods are linked to continuing activities. For example, the work of the EUROCITIES project looking at good practice in aspects of regional development has provided a resource for the organisation Eurocites which acts on behalf of major cities in the Community and is itself involved in the management of other interregional cooperation activities. Also, within the framework of Article 10 one of the early network projects, COMMISSION DES Vll..LES is a specific antecedent of the current project ST A TEGIES DES VILLES.
EXHIBIT 9
EXAMPLES OF THE "ADDED VALUE" OF INTERREGIONAL COOPERATION
Added value has been created through regional authorities involved in interregional cooperation jointly commissioning research and feasibility studies. Examples of projects involving research and experimentation where the results will be of greater value because common methodological approaches have been adopted and because there will be wider access to the results and practical benefits include POLIS, HYDRE and COMPOSTELA FORET. There are also examples of the co-financing of exploratory and feasibility studies where the project partners involved are benefitting from sharing costs and from the opportunities to assess the contextual influences on different project proposals (for example ECOWAT and SEALINK).
Key benefits of the interregional cooperation projects stem from the opportunities they offer for synergy. Several mechanisms are evident. The involvement in an interregional cooperation project
can help create cooperation between different agencies and groups at the local level. The systematic involvement of residents, local agencies as well as political leaders and officials in the Quartiers en Crise project provides one example. Synergy has also arisen where partners have built upon the network activities within the projects and developed new proposals to extend their work which would not have arisen without the benefit of established working relations and trust.
The added value of interregional cooperation is also strongly present in those projects where the development and processing of information is a component of the project. In effect, the cooperation process reduces barriers to communication and enables data to be generated in such a way that it is more relevant to local decision making, more accessible and better disseminated.
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EXHIBIT 10
NEW FORMS qF INTERREGIONAL COOPERATION STEMMING FROM PILOT PROJECTS THE EXAMPLES OF EURADA, POLIS AND CAR
The European network of Development Agencies has continued in an independent capacity, following the completion of Article 10 funding in January 1993. The network originally established under the aegis of CCRE and now known as the European Association of Development Agencies (EURADA) continues, as a self financing association, to follow the objectives instituted at its inception in 1989 and is now established as a non-profit making organisation under Belgian law. EURADA which has over 100 development agency members facilitates the exchange of information and experience on new methods of managing regional economic development and the development of cooperation projects.
POLIS (The Promotion of Operational Links with Integrated Services of Advanced Transport Telematics) was one of the networks approval for Article 10 Community funding in 1990. POLIS has developed five major cooperation projects as mechanisms for initiating pilot projects to test mutually compatible advanced telematics measures and infrastructure to aid traffic management in cities. Members of POLIS are now served by an administration and information unit based in Lyon and known as Centre for the European Diffusion of Information and for the Liaison of the POLIS cities network (CEDa).
The CAR project has continued to function after the completion of Community funding at the end of 1992. The network has facilitated a number of cross national collaborations and ongoing exchanges. A network of Spanish authorities is also being formed based on the successful experience of the UK CAR partner MILAN (Motor Industry Local Authority Network). An information centre for the project has been developed in Valladolid and a major conference is planned for 1994 to bring together all major european motor industry area partners and explore ways of managing the automobile restructuring process.
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The Progress of Article 10 Inurregioul Coopenuion Network Projects
2. 7 Anticipated Future Impacts
The specific projects reviewed here coupled with the variety of other interregional cooperation activities stimulated by the Community financial support (the Exchange of Experience programme, OUVERTURE!ECOS, lnterreg, technical assistance for Community Initiatives etc.) and those that have developed independently in response to the recognition by regional and local authorities of common interests and concerns, are contributing to a substantial growth in joint actions, improved commWtications between regional and local authorities and heightened consciousness of the role and potential of cooperation. A
momentum has been created which is associated with the searc~ on behalf of many of the projects specifically reviewed here for means by which interregional cooperation can be continued and strengthened. Political support is widespread at the regional and local level and the economic and regional development rationales are strengthening with the increasing intemationalisation of economic activities and the need to remove the
remaining barriers to integration at the Community scale. Inevitably, in the context of a programme of pilot projects it can be anticipated that not all of the projects will realise their initial expectation. However, the current activity provides a foundation upon which new activities could build. In particular, there remains considerable scope for more involvement of economic actors, in the private as well as public sector, in interregional cooperation so that the economic and regional development benefits can be fully realised.
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The Progress of Article 10 In1e"egio1Ull Coopeffllion Network Projects
3.0 FACTORS AFFECTING THE DYNAMICS OF INTERREGIONAL COOPERATION NETWORKS
Whilst there does not appear to be a single model for a successful interregional cooperation network four parameters appear particularly important to their success:
their rationales and motivation;
the project structure; the project management. previous experience of interregional links and cooperation.
3.1 Ratio1Ulles and Motivations
Each of the projects have an underlying rationale linked to the Community's social cohesion objective and the priorities of the partners. All of the project leaders and project partners have also demonstrated commitment
to the project aims through their co-financing and resource inputs. Several rationales underpinning the projects are evident:
• Regions and cities are benefitting from the accelerated transfer of know-how. This is particularly valuable from the Community's perspective when the transfer benefits regions and cities in priority areas (for example, ROCNORD) and when it encourages "europeanisation" and decreases feelings of
peripherality within these areas. The motivations for this activity are strongest when the know-how specifically addresses the specific problems of project partners. Successful projects have often taken considerable care in identifying such problems (for example, ECOW AT and DEMll..IT ARISED) in order that know-how can be tailored to specific regional requirements. A good deal of activity in this
vein involves the development of products and services with wider market potential which could help sustain the cooperation beyond the Community funding period.
• Regions and cities with similar problems and characteristics are benefitting from the economies of scale of developing and implementing common approaches to problems. This activity is of most
relevance to the Community objectives of social cohesion when it encourages development in priority
areas through for example, improving the efficiency of information flows and decision-taking (for example, the URBAN OBSERVATORY), or through ensuring that the application of new technologies
is appropriate to the needs of these areas (ERNACT, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER and POLIS).
Areas or authorities with similar problems also cooperate in lobbying activity to influence national or
Community policy but this activity is not financially supported by the Commission.
• Regions and cities are enhancing regional economic development by undertaking joint actions (including those involving the private sector) to stimulate economic activities in their areas. These
actions for local development add value to the local resources available through different forms of partnerships (public/private; enterprise/trade union; local/regional; voluntary sector/private sector),
through supporting innovation, and through providing advice, facilities and incentives. Examples of this include cooperation projects to improve access to finance amongst SME's (FINATLANTIC),
initiatives to improve communications between ports and hence the competitiveness of short distance
sea cargo movements [TRANSPORT IN THE MEDITERRANEAN and one of the sub projects of
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The Progress of Article 10 lnlerregioMI Coopel'tllion Network Projects
ARC ATLANTIQUE (ARCANTEL)], and the encouragement of the market expansion of SME's
indigenous within one partner region in another through the provision of premises and business advice
(EUROGA TEW A Y).
• Interregional Cooperation occurs when areas tackle trans-border issues and when areas wish to coordinate strategies towards development axes of the Community's space that cross regional
boundaries, or towards the better functioning of trans european networks. Such cooperation is relevant
to the Community's social cohesion objective but tends to involve contiguous regions rather than the
trans european interregional cooperation networks reviewed in this report. One exception is SEALINK
which as its name suggests is concerned to improve sea links within the Community.
Regarding the motivation of local authorities and partners it must be stressed that the cities and regions are
public authorities accountable in the first instance to the electorate of their regions and thus benefits need to be tangible and sustainable. However, the authorities, their political leaders and officials, have through their
involvement in and commitment to the projects reviewed in this report, demonstrated a belief in the view that
their localities and the economic actors within them need to extend their international linkages and build upon
the complementarities between regions in different members states. In so doing they have benefitted from the comparatively straightforward and flexible arrangements for access to Community resources through Article
10 of the ERDF regulations. Indeed, this direct access has helped both small and large regional and local authorities create new links and accelerate the development of international linkages that are likely to become
increasingly important to their areas in the context of future technological, economic and political changes.
3.2 The Project Structure
Each network project has adopted a structure geared to the realisation of its work programme and the roles
of its partners. Few general rules are evident as to the effectiveness of different structures but benefits are
evident where structures enable both flexibility and the clear assignment of functions and responsibilities.
The projects have been organised in the following ways:
• Lead partner arrangements: where one public authority has the contract with the Commission and through
a process of negotiation engages and involves partners. The lead partner is thus responsible for managing
and implementing the project during the period of the contract with the Commission. This is the most
common arrangement for the projects launched in 1992, examples of projects utilising such arrangements
include: COAST, SEALINK, DEMILITARISED and RESIGMUR. In some instances, aspects of the
management and coordination of the projects have been subcontracted to existing international
associations, as in the case of DYONISOS and consultancies as in the case of ECOWAT and COAST.
The lead partner arrangements have the advantage of simplicity but they may limit the extent to which
partners are involved in strategic decision making. The parameters of cooperation are often expressed in
the form of a constitution. Agreements are also made between individual authorities and the lead partner
to ensure that services are provided to the project as a whole. However, if difficulties arise the liability
for the project rests solely with the lead partner. Furthermore, constraints have been experienced on the
activities of authorities in different member states which limit the flexibility with which the partners can
contribute to the work of the projects.
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The Progress of Article 10 IIW"egiotull Coopel'tllion Network Projects
• One variation of the lead authority arrangements occurs when responsibilities are conferred on a new,
separate legal entity such as an eeig or company to which the contracting authority devolves responsibility
for the management and implementation of the project. Projects which operate in this way include
ERN ACT which has established an eeig and FINA TLANTIC. One completed project, DEVELOPMENT
AGENCIES which began under the aegis of an umbrella organisation is continuing operation as an
association of development agencies and has formed a non-profit making company registered in Belgium.
None of the existing forms of legal entity (either eeig or companies formed in a panicular member state)
are tailor made to facilitate joint working between several public authorities in different member states
in interregional cooperation projects. Arrangements involving the establishment of a legal entity offer
benefits in terms of shared responsibilities between partners, managerial efficiency and flexibility.
However, given that the initial contracts have been made between the Commission and individual authorities or particular umbrella organisations, complete responsibility for the project cannot be devolved
to a newly formed separate legal entity without the agreement of the Commission.
• Through management by an umbrella organisation such as CCRE or CRPM which retains legal
responsibility for the discharging of the work but "sub contracts" it to individual or groups of authorities
or an implementing agency. The majority of the early network projects were organised in this way. For example, the contracts for COMMISSION DES VILLES, DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES and
EUROCITIES were held by CCRE and TOURISM IN THE MEDITERRANEAN and ARC
ATLANTIQUE are held by CRPM. Several of the projects which began in 1992, are also organised in
this way (for example, HYDRE, EURISLES, STRATEGY DES VTI..LES and IDEE). In addition the
projects coordinated by CEDRE have a similar structure. These umbrella organisations have considerable
experience of interregional cooperation through for example, the management of the exchange of
experience programmes. This body of experience is helpful in initiating projects, identifying project
panners and advising on the management of projects particularly where the experience of panners is limited. The influence of these organisations over the choice of individuals to lead and manage the
projects so as to maximise the added value of the networking activity has been important. The
weaknesses of such arrangements are that the extent to which individual authorities from priority regions
can play a leadership role is limited and, if these umbrella organisations (which are to varying degrees
accountable to the panner authorities) only coordinate the activities and manage the liaison with the
Commission, they are not well placed to take responsibility for the overall quality of the project
Given the need for contracts to be held with single agency, the absence of a legal entity ideally suitable for
interregional cooperation and the variety of projects in terms of size, activities and areas of interest, a
pragmatic approach to the establishment of appropriate structures has proved necessary.
3.3 Project Mallllgement
The arrangements for and the capacities of individuals involved in project management are the key factors for
success once the precise aims of the project have been established and the structure and process~ for
cooperation put in place. A number of "good practice" principles have emerged:
• The organisational arrangements for cooperation: Arrangements whereby day to day management takes
place with a measure of independence from the lead authority appears to be preferable, improving
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The Progress of Ankle 10 lnterregionsl Coopel'tllion Network Projects
communications and enabling other partners to influence decision taking. Some projects (for example,
SEALINK and REBUILD) have established distinct offices within or close to the premises of the lead
authority. Normally separate accounts are established to manage the financial resources. This physical
and organisational separation may enhance the perception of independence. At the same time such
arrangements can enhance the capacity of the lead authority to engage in new interregional cooperation initiatives.
• The profile and political commitment to the proiect: Projects require a strong level of support at the
political level. All the projects are co-financed and thus at the project formulation stage, commitment for
financial support must be given. Commitment is also important at this level during the establishment
phase and to ensure that all partners meet their responsibilities. Projects have successfully maintained
support by involving political representatives in key decisions and discussions over strategy and through
combining essentially technical meetings with the opportunities for politicians to meet The management of public relations has also enhanced the profile of many projects.
• The number of partners: A higher intensity of cooperation is possible where the number of project partners
is small. Those projects involved in testing new approaches (for example, ENVIRONET), and identifying
innovative solutions to regional development problems (for example, ECOW AT) require intensive
cooperation. The number of partners for projects concerned with the transfer of know-how very much
depends upon the precise objectives _that exist. There are instances where large numbers of partners have
been involved successfully but the cooperation in such cases could be better characterised as diffusion of
information rather than transfer of know-how.
• The day to day management of the project: In general terms this appears most effective where it is the
first priority of a senior official of the lead authority. This is often an appointee from outside the
authority. However, a variety of arrangements appear to be working successfully. Several projects are
effectively led at a technical level by consultants engaged by the lead authorities (for example, ECOW AT,
ENVIRONET). This can be very helpful where wide international experience is required in order to
ensure that the "added value" of interregional cooperation is fully exploited to the benefit of the partners.
Consultants and international organisations have also been involved in the managerial and administrative
functions of the projects (for example, COAST). Whilst these latter arrangements may be convenient from
the perspective of the lead authority they may limit the extent to which the capacity of the authority to
undertake future work of this type is enhanced.
• Communication with partners: The arrangements for communication reflect the specific requirements of
projects. Projects have benefitted considerably from written agreements identifying the responsibilities
of partners made at the outset of the work. There are considerable advantages in ensuring that budgetary
information is clear, up to date and detailed. There have been examples where communication appears
to have been weak where for example, the technical and coordinating functions have been undertaken by
different organisations. Where communication is poor this can weaken the commitment of partners. In many cases however, communication has been of a high standard (through newsletters, bulletins etc.) and
considerable effort has gone into the preparation of meetings that successfully combine the organisational
and steering functions with the more technical aspects of the projects' work. A further important aspect
of communication concerns that between the projects and the Commission. In some respects the
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The Progress of Ardcle 10 lnlen'egioiUJI CoopertJJion Network Projects
combination of the project proposals and contracts made with the Commission have not provided a
sufficiently clear basis for defining and monitoring the work programmes and progress of the projects.
At the same time some projects have, for good reasons, needed to change aspects of their activities and the scope for sorwe flexibility in this respect has been advantageous.
3.4 Previous Experience of Jnte"egional Links and Cooperation
It is evident that both the existence of pre-established trans-national links between regional and local authorities
and a body of experience amongst the key actors involved in a network project are helpful in defining the focus of cooperation, creating rapidly appropriate organisational structures and management processes and
realising the project objectives. This progress tends to be best amongst projects which benefit from the institutional and personal links that have eroded culUJral, language and other constraints. Conversely, where
previous experience has been limited amongst the project leaders and partners, some projects have required considerable periods within which to become established.
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The Progress of Artkle I 0 Jnte"egioiUII Cooperalion Network Projects
4.0 CONCLUSIONS
It is too early to draw firm conclusions on the performance of the interregional cooperation projects funded under Article 10 of the ERDF regulations. However, the following interim conclusions can be made:
• All of the interregional cooperation projects reviewed here have progressed well within the framework of the contractual relations with the Commission. The 300 plus regional and local authority partners have committed financial and other resources to the projects. Several of those projects that have completed the
funding period under Article 10 have continued their activ~ties (for example, POLIS, DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES and QUARTIERS EN CRISE). The projects that are still within the funding period are in
general terms progressing well and appear likely to meet their objectives. In many cases plans are being prepared for the continuation of the interregional cooperation activity after the funding period has been
completed.
• There is strong demand by regional and local authorities for involvement in activity of this type. This is evidenced in a number of ways: the large number of proposals received in response to the 1991 call; only 4-5 partners put forward in the approved proposals have subsequently withdrawn; and, project partners are required to co-finance project costs by at least 25%. It is reasonable to expect that the involvement in existing activities and the rapid build up in experience that has taken place will lead to the identification of new initiatives and demands for involvement.
• The levels of interregional cooperation activity funded under Article 10 have increased rapidly. The
expectations in the contracts with th~ Commission are that the projects can realise their objectives in relatively short periods of time (normally 2-3 years). There are however, several important constraints on realising this. Some of the partners have had little previous experience of this activity and there is inevitably a period of establishment after the signature of the contract with the Commission during which organisational arrangements are made, the work programmes detailed, and infrastructures put in place. It is common for this process to take between 6 and 12 months from the date of approval by the
Commission.
• A range of types of activity and of project are of value in furthering regional policy objectives. Generalisations are difficult but it appears that projects with a smaller number of partners are able to cooperate more intensively in the process of developing and transferring know-how. Larger projects with more partners and a variety of activities are less likely to be innovative but have the strong potential to
enhance trans national cooperation at a political level and to generate new initiatives.
• For the early projects the detailed procedures and contracts established between the Commission and the projects were the source of some misunderstandings. In particular, there are issues over which costs incurred by projects are eligible for reimbursement by the Commission, what information is required to enable payment from the Commission and the extent to which modifications can be made to work
programmes, timescales and partnership arrangements without recourse to the Commission. At the heart of these difficulties is a tension between the wish (on behalf of both the Commission and the project
partners) to maintain some flexibility over the activities of the projects and the need for full accountability
in the use of the Community resources. Overall these difficulties have become less acute since the
RECITE OJ]fce 24
'
The Progress of Article 10 lnterregiontJI Coopel'tJiion Network Projects
publication of the project management guide and could be eliminated in the future by supplementing the
call for tenders with detailed guidance on these matters and by modifying the contracts.
• The structures and management practices adopted by the projects have a strong influence on their success
and overall the projects have established arrangements which work well. There remain however,
difficulties over genuinely sharing responsibility for the implementation of projects between the partners.
Three factors contribute to this. Firstly, in some member states ultimate responsibility for use of
Community structural fund resources rests with the member states. Secondly, the lead authorities and
partners all contribute co-financing and inputs of resources over which they normally wish to maintain
some control. Thirdly, once the contract is established the Commission, which is not actively involved
in the implementation of the projects, has little opportunity apart from through technical assistance and
the payment procedures to influence the conduct of the project. Whether or not the Community funds
further activity in this area there is a case for the establishment of a legal entity for cooperation between
regional and municipal authorities and there would be benefit in the establishment of such partnerships
prior to the receipt of substantial levels of funding from the Community.
The Consideration of Future Policy
The European Council meeting in Edinburgh in December 1992, indicated support for interregional cooperation
activity and this is strongly endorsed by the European Parliament The Commission's Green Paper on
Community Initiatives posed the question as to whether interregional cooperation networks were appropriate
for funding under the proposed new INTERREG Community Initiative and emphasised the trans-national
aspects of each of the five themes put forward. Also, the provisions for Article 10 funding have not changed
and there are strong reasons to build on the existing experience to further develop this activity. The
Commission is also assessing the feasibility of a public sector economic interest grouping.
If the Community is to give further financial support to interregional cooperation projects through the
mechanism of a new call for tenders or other means, then consideration should be given to the following
proposals:
1. A framework should be provided which closely defines the priorities for Community support.
2. Funding should be made available for up to five years.
3. Small scale "seed com" funding should be available to meet preparatory costs and explore in depth the
feasibility of interregional cooperation projects.
4. Consideration should be given to the direct involvement of the private and voluntary sectors in the
interregional cooperation activity.
5. A Vademecum should be prepared giving detailed guidance on procedures, eligible costs etc.
Each of these proposals is discussed in tum briefly.
A Framework for Community Priorities for Interregional Cooperation: There would be merit in more closely
defining the Community's priorities for trans national interregional cooperation so as to encourage activities
that directly address regional development issues including the effective implementation of the Structural
Funds. At the same time of course, scope should be allowed for innovative proposals building directly upon
RECITE 0./Jfee 25
The Progress of Article 10 lnten-egion~~l Coopenuion Network Projects
the pnonues of the sponsoring regions. Furthermore care must be taken to ensure that actions are
complementary to networks already supported by the Community.
Such a framework might for example, identify priorities relevant to the main types of structural funds
interventions:-
basic infrastructure,
support for business,
human resource development and, research and development etc.
Possibilities where a priori there appears to be a strong rationale for interregional Cooperation include:
• The development of regional airports (perhaps focused on particular technological or institutional issues)
• Cities with currently low levels of car ownership exploring sustainable approaches to urban transport and
traffic management
• The development of complementary 'clusters' of economic activities building upon 'centres of excellence' and research and development activity
• Aspects of the problem of intermodal freight and passenger transfers
• Extending interregional cooperation between ports regions both within and outside the Community (SEALINK provides a starting point}
• Aspects of water resource management (for example, the work of ECOW AT is applicable to many more
regions than those currently involved}
• Aspects of domestic and industrial waste management applicable to less favoured regions (for example,
networks could share the result of technological assessments and trials of technologies applicable to their
regions)
• The development of new forms of 'sustainable' tourism in priority regions.
• Networks of business support agencies that can assist companies to expand their markets within the
Community (the experience of EUROGATEWAY is helpful in this respect).
Such a framework would need to embrace both the Community's interests and priorities and the rationales and
motivations of the principal actors who would be involved, that is the regional and local authorities.
The extension of the funding period to five years: Whilst a great deal has been achieved during the period
since the first interregional cooperation projects began, it is evident that many projects were in fact slow to
start and that several may require extensions to their existing contract periods. There are significant barriers
RECTTE 0/Jfce 26
The Progress of Article 10 /nJen'egional Coopef'tllion Network Projects
to cooperation which have to be overcome (language, cultural differences, institutional constraints, finance etc.)
and it takes time to achieve the understanding and focus needed for meaningful cooperation. A more gradual
funding regime, which might include distinct periods for review by the Commission and other partners, would
be more appropriate for the more complex projects. In so far as the subsequent continuation of an
interregional cooperation project after the Commission funding period provides one measure of success, then
there is a case for tapering the funding from the Commission so that the level of support reduces over time
and the project can explore the potential for financial self sufficiency. (Of course in some cases the rationale
for cooperation may have changed or may no longer exist, tapered funded would be less relevant in these
cases).
Provision of small scale "seed com" funding: Inevitably in a competitive tendering situation account will be
taken off the quality and presentation of the written proposal and organisations familiar with the rigors of such
funding regimes have a distinct advantage. It appears that a large number of the successful proposals were
written by consultants on behalf of the lead authorities. Also, considerable effort is needed to identify
prospective partners and secure cooperation agreements in order to make credible bids. Organisations already
heavily involved in interregional cooperation are at a distinct advantage. Given the importance of leadership
and active participation by authorities in less favoured regions these procedures may be disadvantageous. It
would therefore be helpful to provide funding on a full cost basis to agencies to undertake preparatory and
feasibility work, this could include the establishment of legal bodies, and would provide a better basis for
informing funding choices. Consultancies and institutions as well as regional and local authorities could be
involved in this work.
Involvement of the private and voluntary sectors: Many of the rationales and motivations for interregional
cooperation are relevant to private and voluntary sector actors as well as regional and local authorities. For
example, one of the factors often underpinning trans-national cooperation is the development of new standards
associated with technological developments. Knowledge that new "standards" are to be adopted and
involvement in the process of developing them is of critical interest to both the users and producers of new
technologies. Ensuring that SME's are involved in such processes is a key consideration in the priority
regions. Regional and local authorities are major consumers of products and services many of which are
directly relevant to regional development There may therefore be circumstances in which it is advantageous
to involve private sector actors in the interregional cooperation projects. (The URBAN OBSERVATORY
provides an example where the suppliers of the communication hardware and software provided equipment
at a price apparently well below normal commercial rates. Their involvement in the project has subsequently
been used in advertisements in the international press. The company evidently perceives that the development
of the communication system has wider market potential).
Provision of a Vademecum: There would be great merit in accompanying any further call for proposals with
fuller guidance on procedures and eligible costs. The draft project management guide has helped clarify issues
concerning the existing contracts. The experience to date would enable a more comprehensive set of
guidelines to be prepared. At the same time there would be merit in reviewing the standard contract th.at has
been used by the Commission's services.
RECITE OJ!ke 27
ANNEX 1
Brief summaries of Interregional Cooperation Pilot Projects
The Progress of Article 10 Interregional Cooperation Network Projects
NETWORKS INITIATm IN 1990
Name: Ttanspott in the Medite"anean
Coordination: ' CEDRE End of contract: 31/12/93- extension until31/3/94
Description:
Eight Mediterranean ports hove established a network exchanging information using computerised data transmission in order to facilitate the transport of goods and thus to promote sea transport.
The main aims ore:
to analyse the information technology resources and computerised data communication copobili1y of each of the ports:
to aid the computerisation of the least well-equipped ports
to link the eight ports together in a computerised communication network (in accordance with the standards defined by the Edifoct Boord)
to ensure that the full potential of computerised communications is exploited by all those invotved in coastal shipping. so as to increase its efficiency and its impact on the economy of the regions concerned.
This project complements a parallel project for ports on the Atlantic seaboard.
Name: Polis
Coordination: End of contract:
Description:
CEMR 30/6/91
The POLIS network is a cooperative venture to introduce new technology in urban areas. mainly in order to solve mobility problems. The network is intended to link up all agencies with responsibility for transport so that they con review and discuss policies together.
The network's objectives are:
To enhance mutual understanding, promotion and technical cooperation between European member cities. The project is targeted in particular at non-governmental agencies. instiMions and other bodies concerned with the mobility of passengers and goods in urban areas.
To enhance organisational and technical capabilities for effective regulation and management of traffic. and to promote the use of advanced data communication services in soMng transport and transport-~~elated problems.
Five sub-projects. GAUDI. LLAMD, POUS 3. SCOPE. and CITIES. hove been set up and there have been three major initiatives: plenary confer~nces. technical coordination of the network. and the exchange of information.
The Centre European de Documentation, d'lnformation et de Liaison. CEDIL performs the role of secretariat for the network's member cities following the completion of the ERDF funding period.
RECITE Off~ee 28
The Progress of Article 10 Interregional Cooperation Nerworlc Projects
Name: Public Ttanspott Coordination
Coordination: End of Contract:
Description:
International Union of Public Transport 31/12/91
The aim of the network is to enable public transport to compete with the private cor for journeys between suburbs and city centres. and to develop fast. pivotal links with suburban interchange and pork-and-ride facilities. These measures ore aimed at reducing congestion and pollution.
The network is responding to this challenge by:
providing real-time information for passengers at interchanges. at the workplace. at home. in vehicles and other public transport locations;
synchronising public transport to guarantee connecting services to all destinations;
providing easier and closer access;
integrating fares. and thus saving passengers· time and consolidating the concept of integration.
Three groups ore concentrating on three aspects of coordination:
siting of interchanges and preliminary model for connections;
gathering information on existing infrastructure and information exchange in order to develop a functional design of public transport coordination;
management of operations and human resources.
Name: Cooperation between Automobile Regions (CAR)
Coordination: End of contract:
Description:
CEMR 31/12/92
This network is intended to assist regions affected by the socio-economic impact of the restructuring of the automotive industry.
The network·s aims ore as follows:
to promote cooperation instead of competition between local and regional authorities at European leveL so as to further internal cooperation and the shoring of experience; to evolve and implement common approaches to restructuring issues; to evolve joint training and retraining schemes to meet the needs of a fast-changing industry; to create new instruments to promote technology transfer for the benefit of SMEs; to set up joint assistance schemes for SMEs in the sector and to promote diversification schemes; to form a close working relationship between the industry - SMEs in particular - and local and regional authorities.
The network aims to expand. to organise seminars on the transfer of experience and to inmate demonstration projects. tts work has continued after the ERDF funding period.
RECITE Office 29
The Progress of Article 10 Interregional Cooperation Network Projects
Name: Medium-Sized Cities Commission
Coordination: End of contract:
Description:
CEMR 31/12/91
The Medium-Sized Cities Commission brings together some one hundred cities and supports the development of transnational cooperation in four areas of common interest:
Social integration in urbdn areas. Based on experience gained in a number of cities. this is promoted through " programmes of training and integration in audio-visual techniques. creation of a pilot centre for social tourism
and an institute for social reintegration.
Urban engineering. to improve the knowledge of cmes in the field of the use of computer services applied to urban services.
Technological development in the service of the city. by analysing the soc~conomic impact of a science and technology pork in different cities and by crea1ing a framework for technical and strategic assistance for cities in this field.
Urban renewal. through the creation of a pilot scheme centred around development of non-polluting activities and the use of new technology by traditional artisan businesses.
Name: Eurocities
Coordination: End of contract:
Description:
CEMR 31/12/91
This is a network of over 40 major European cities. By exchanging information and developing pilot projects these aim to cooperate in spheres of common interest.
Three sub-projects have been set up:
SIMI-STIIC (Integrated Technology Information System) which is intended to set up on audiotext system to enable tourists and businessmen to obtain practical information in all participating cmes.
EMCON (Eurocities Management Consuttancy Network) exists to improve the efficiency and effecnveness of services provided by public institutions. Exchanges of experts ore planned. as is the development of common pilot projects.
BEST PRACTICE IN BUSINESS SUPPORT promotes the exchange of experience in the field of economic development. chiefly by holding seminars on economic development and business promotion. as well as meetings for representatives of bonks. chambers of commerce. estate agents. research establishments and private firms.
RECITE OffiCe 30
The Progress of Anicle 10 Interregional Cooperation Network Projects
Name: Development of Less-Favoured Regions
Coordination: CEDRE End of contract: 31/12/93- extended until30/6/94
Description:
This support networlc for remote regions creates opportunities for development agencies in the economically more favoured regions to shore their lcnow-how with development agencies and similar bodies in remote regions.
The scheme has two aspects:
A slcill-shoring networlc of development agencies to find out where the experience of certain of the agencies will be of benefit to other partners in the project. it loolcs for experience in the following fields: training and support for business start-ups. industrial retraining and resettlement. rural development. technology transfer and the setting up of development agencies. and will collate this experience in a guide to development.
A networlc of advisors to assist SMEs seelcing cooperation. Advisors receive firms' requests for cooperation and provide expertise to enable the firms to conclude cooperation agreements. Research into SMEs' needs for cooperation has been conducted with four regions.
Initiatives include information conferences for businesses. surveys of the needs of SMEs for cooperation. and surveys to identity ways in which local and regional authorities con support SMEs seelcing cooperation.
Name: Development Agencies
Coordination: End of contract:
Description:
CEMR 31/12/92
The aims of the networlc centred around three types of initiative:
Stimulating the networlc effect. by publishing on information bulletin. organising seminars and conferences and creating a data bose on development agencies.
Developing joint initiatives. by setting up exchange schemes and developing a common approach to training in enterprise culture.
Organising other cooperation initiatives. with emphasis on analysis of the financing techniques of SMEs and SMis. the diffusion of technology to less-favoured areas and research into the impact of major urban centres.
The project finished at the end of 1992 and has submitted a final report. reviewing actions that have reached conclusion. The project has resulted in the creation of Eurado. a non-profit-making association of development agencies in Europe. There is now substantial cooperation among the partners. Eurada will remain active and expand its membership. Starting as a club of some 20 development agencies. the network now links up over 100 in a self-funding association. New activities ore now underway including: monitoring of Community programmes. interregional cooperation and information seminars. and use of instruments of business cooperation. The RECITE office published in 1993 a bulletin on the activities of the networlc.
RECITE Office 31
The Progress of Anicle 10 Interregional Cooperation Network Projects
Name: Chambers of Commerce
Coordination: End of Contract:
Description:
Assemblee des Chombres Fro~oises de Commerce et d'lndustrie 31/12/93
The contracting party coordinates three projects to enable chambers of commerce and industry (CCis) in less developed regions to benefit from the expertise of CCis that hove considerable experience in o particular field:
Processing of row data: the ARIST project aims to set up an ARIST operational cell that can meet the scientific and technical information needs of SMEs and SMis.
Training for workers: the aim is to study the needs of businesses in certain regions and to organise courses tailored to these needs. to encourage contacts between schools and companies and to develop retraining sessions for managers.
One of the partners takes on the task of setting up an economic observatory in several other regions in order to improve awareness of local socio-economic opportunities.
The chambers of commerce know-how transfer network has completed its activities. An information seminar on the network was held on the occasion of a major conference of chambers of commerce from all over Europe in Nice in December 1992. In the course of the programme, work was shared. some chambers of commerce undertaking the task of supporting the development of others. A number of these initiatives will be extended beyond the ERDF funding period. Several other chambers of commerce hove requested extension of the ARIST project.
Name: Eurogateway
Coordination: Glasgow End of contract: 31/12/93- extended until 31/12/94
Description:
This partnership of development agencies aims to foster opportunities for SMEs to expand their activities within the internal market. The network is intended to encourage SMEs with limited expertise in exporting to penetrate new markets in Europe. Expert advice is mode available to firms, helping them to target these new markets, to define commercial strategies and identify opportunities to set up local bases in these markets. Advice is also given on sources of finance and on accounting. marketing, recruitment, training and the location of business premises.
A brochure describing the project has been produced and issued to partners as o means of introducing the project to firms with which they come into contact. Partners set up joint initiatives to collaborate further.
Due to economic difficulties, fewer firms have set up in new locations than the organisers expected. For this reason, the network intends to launch two additional initiatives: on architecture competition to enable the building industry in different regions to discover partnership and work in other countries; and, the creation of a register of companies specialising in the environment, enabling them to share their expertise in order to find business partners in this field.
RECITE OffiCe 32
The Progress of Anicle 10 InterregioMI Cooperation Network Projects
Name: Tourism in the Meditenanean
Coordination: CRPM End of Contract: 31/13/93- extended until30/6/94
Description:
This is an inter-regional network for cooperation in the sphere of nautical. cultural and rural tourism. It aims to enhance the channels of inter-regional communication on such subjects as marinas and inland tour routes. The cultural and rural aspect of the project enables little-known historical and cultural sites. and those in the hinterland to be better exploited and already offers tour routes in different Mediterranean countries; on information brochure on these is now available in several languages (Catalogue Via Mediterroneo).
As regards sea tourism. the project aims to computerise one harbour. to develop small and medium-sized marinas by creating inter-regional tour routes. which con be presented to tourists as complete packages and by developing interregional groupings. using modem computer and data interchange technology to enhance the management and the promotional of this type of tourism.
A catalogue on sea tourism. based on a survey of the potential of Mediterranean regions. will be a useful information and promotional tool for ports outside the computerised network.
Name: Atlantic Regions
Coordination: End of contract:
Description:
CRPM (Commission Arc Atlantique) 31/12/93- extended until30/6/94
The project has four main areas of work:
Setting up on information system to link up ports on the Atlantic in order to develop communication between the ports and promote growth in sea transport. This project. ARCANTEL plans to give access to the Uoyds data bose. to install on electronic data interchange network linking ships and ports. and to develop a project for marker buoys. Developing a common training programme in the field of marine transport and commerce; this will involve technical and educational exchanges between regions. the development of common training modules and creation of a training course for careers in shipping. Enabling Atlantic regions to finance the investment of businesses in order to promote their growth by establishing a common capitol fund and undertaking research in financial engineering. Improving conditions for exploitation of marine resources. gMng due consideration to environmental protection. by setting up a network of marine biology skill-sharing and identifying what needs to be done to bring shellfish forms on the Atlantic coast up to European standards.
This project is now completed. Its structure has been managed by thE. coordinating body, which monitored the progress of the sub-projects (over 20 in all). These deal with different issues and do not involve the same partners. The results of this project hove been presented. The programme is very varied and comprises a number of ambitious projects such as ARCANTEL.
RECrrE Office 33
The Progress of Anicle 10 Interregional Cooperation Network Projects
Name: Emact
Coordination: Derry /Donegal End of Contract: 31/12/93- extended until 31/3/94
Description:
This network seeks to improve the ways in which regional and local authorities apply communications technology and to explore how this technology con be used to facilitate communication between regional and local authorities at Community level. To implement this experiment. several sub-projects hove been set up: economic databases. multimedia and videotext systems for tourism. teleworking. publicity. socio-economic databases. environmental protection. information for elected representatives. networking of public buildings. and on interregional network.
The six participating regions work together in a European economic interest grouping. Several of the databases hove been set up: the economic database; the database for the public information; the multimedia tourism database; and on electronic moil system. The partners ore now considering practical ways in which to continue cooperating.
An information brochure has been published. reviewing the network·s activities and the way in which the different partners allocate the work of managing the sub-projects.
Name: Univenifies-Regions
Coordination: End of contract:
Description:
Junto de Castillo y Leon 31/12/93- extended until28/2/94
Universities and research institutes do important work in the field of regional and urban development. This project is aimed at improving communication between these institutions and regional administrations.
This network has been implemented in stages:
A survey to identify the main areas of interest of the different authorities.
A catalogue of research centres in the member states of the European Union working in the field of regional and urban development.
A catalogue of recent work in this field.
Selection of work relevant to the priority concerns of regional and local government.
Requests for abstracts of this work.
Translation and dissemination of these abstracts.
The CEDRE is responsible for technical management of the project. The final task is to produce five separate volumes reviewing research on subjects chosen by the regions themselves and a comprehensive directory of research on these subject~.
RECITE Office 34
The Progress of Article 10 Interregional Cooperation Network Projects
Nome: Quotfien en Crise
Coordination: The Hague (LSA) End of contract: 31/12/92- extension until 30/6/93
Description:
This network linked together 25 European towns and cities sharing problems such as unemployment. poor housing. crime. drug abuse and inadequate public services. To tackle this crisis the network undertook an integrated urban economic development initiafive combining social. educational. and environmental measures with action on training and employment.
The networks primary aims were:
to stimulate cooperation and information and experience sharing to improve the situation of inhabitants.
to promote an integrated initiative at notional and international level within the framework of a long-term strategy to halt urban decline.
The network created training facilities. developed bilateral cooperation between member cities. launched new research initiatives and encouraged the transfer of expertise to foster links between northem and southern cities.
Much has been achieved in terms of job creation. and training for deprived areas. thanks to cooperation within the network. A paper has been produced reviewing the characteristics and experiences of each member city. The RECITE office has published a bulletin describing the activities of the project. The network is continuing as an association.
RECITE 0./f~ee 35
The Progress of Article 10 Interregional Cooperation Network Projects
NETWORKS STARTED IN 1991
Name: Eutocetam
Coordination: Wallonia End of contract: 31/12/94- extended until31/12/95
Description:
This network is intended to stimulate cooperation between regions specialising in advanced ceramics to make the most advantageous use of each region· s potential and over the long term to improve their overall economic performance.
Cooperation tokes the form of:
skill shoring through exchanges or meetings of experts; organising of visits to companies at the forefront of ceramics technology so as to identity complementary and overlapping areas of activity; producing and distributing a newsletter with features on companies, describing the latest research findings and providing information on forthcoming events in the advanced ceramics sector. establishing a technical database on row materials. finished products. suppliers of ceramic equipment and addresses of specialists in the field.
The setting up of sub-projects posed no problem: the database was set up by experts in each of the regions (research institutes or universities) and is freely available to partners and to firms in the regions concerned throughout the programme. The partners plan to introduce a right of access to make the network self-sufficient. The newsletter is also distributed, freely for the time being, in the regions (1.000 to 2.000 copies half-yearly) to inform companies in the sector. This information may be charged for after funding of the programme ceases. Visits to companies ore undertaken by experts from each region. who go to firms in another member region. These visits provide a chance to find out about new techniques.
Name:Hydte
Coordination: End of contract:
Description:
CRPM 31/12/94
The network aims to create on integrated economic and structural system of water resources so as to establish a system to wam against meteorological risks of drought. flooding, etc. In structural terms, tns system will advise on the best planning solutions and on any necessary adjustment of agricultural. industrial and environmental octMty.
The technical management of the project is undertaken by the CCR in lspro. Monthly and quorterty bulletins ore circulated among the partners to report on activity and estob&sh programmes of work. The director of the programme makes regular visits to the regions to monitor progress of the project and to identify specifiC needs of the regions.
Once the integrated system is in place. monitoring units will be set up in the member regions and this experience disseminated in order to gain new members for the network and enable them to benefit from the system.
RECrrE OffiCe 36
The Progress of Article 10 IIJterregional Cooperation Nen"ork Projects
Name: Euris/es
Coordination: End of contract:
Description:
CRPM - Islands Commission 31/12/94- extended until31/12/95
The aim of Eurisles is to provide public and private sector users in the member regions with a decision-making tool adopted to the special needs of islands.
The project is to set up a shored database on transport problems. separate databases for each island and regional documentation centres linked together by computerised data transmission and staffed by information processing specialists.
Eurisles is to provide information pertaining to islands which is not currently available. such as summaries of legal and economic information on each island. directories of regional institutions and authorities. and compendiums of research and statistics.
All this information will be regularly updated. There is constant collaboration between the partners and tasks were allocated at the very beginning, thanks to a clear agreement between the partners and the CRPM.
The creation of a database on general issues will help to tackle problems in acquiring and managing documentary. cartographic and statistical data.
All islands in the network now hove computer equipment and ore linked together in the EUROKOM electronic moil system.
Members of the network ore already considering how to continue working together and how to draft agreements so as to avoid copyright problems arising from use of data gathered by the network.
Name: Rocnord
Coordination: Crete End of contract: 31/12/93- extension until31/12/94
Description:
This project is aimed at strengthening ties between Crete and North Jutland. two of the most isolated regions of Europe. and more particularly at improving the efficiency of local and regional authorities in Crete. Several areas of cooperation hove been selected in which Denmark con bring to bear its experience.
These areas of cooperation ore: tourism. special programmes. the environment. the energy supply and alternative energy. social issues. the fishing industry and the water supply.
The following pilot projects have been set up:
Master plan for the utilisation of resources in Crete. aimed at optimising the utilisation of resources. chiefly water and waste water. solid waste, waste from energy production and energy from renewable sources such as wind, solar and biomass. Development of strategies and products for tourism. with a view to extending the tourist season and creating jobs and wealth. Monitoring of the environment in Crete in order to complement decision-making on environmental matters. Technology transfer in the fields of aquoforming and fishery management. the aim being to combine fish forming and tourism.
RECrrE OffiCe 37
The Progress of Article 10 lnten-egional Cooperation Network Projects
Name: Dyonisos
Coordination: End of contract:
Description:
Elentejo 31/12/94
This network aims to enable wine-growing regions to cooperate on training, commerce and tourism in order to transfer expertise in new information technology in the above fields to disadvantaged regions.
As regards training and research, the aim is to create a multimedia network of educational resources at present scattered throughout Europe: courses, visual aids, video conferencing, educational software, etc.
In the commercial field, the network is developing on electronic data interchange (EDI) system by setting up a Europe-wide organisation to standardise messages and data.
In tourism, the aim is to exploit the heritage of wine-growing regions by making multimedia (video, audio, and text) terminals accessible to the public. These will provide tourist information on the subject of wine and a commercial advertising and reservation service for restaurants, hotels and-wine producers.
The network plans to continue its aefivities beyond the period of funding as port of the RECITE programme. Legal structures are planned for each of the sutrprojects. Technical monitoring of the programme is conducted by the European Conference of Wine-Growing Regions.
Name: Ecowat
Coordination: End of contract:
Description:
Tenerife 31/12/94
A network to promote and protect water resources and to exploit renewable energy sources in water supply. The ultimate aim is to improve water management at local and regional level.
The main objectives are:
To resolve water management problems by analysing shared problems and by identifying needs and evaluating the available data.
To analyse ways of achieving the most efficient use of the energy needed for the supply of water.
To promote the exchange of technical experience in water management in Europe.
These objectives ore being achieved by: evaluating existing ways of managing water and protecting water resources that use renewable energy; developing on integrated approach to water management protection and the use of renewable energy; cost-benefit analysis; application and trial of new techniques at selected sites; evaluation of results, and the presentation and dissemination of the experience gained.
RECrrE Office 38
The Progress of Article 10 lnterregia~wl Cooperation Network Proj'ects
Name: Scientific Centres
Coordination: Midi-Pyrenees End of contract: 31/12/93- extended until31/12/94
Description:
This project aims to establish a cooperative network of scientific centres to provide advanced training in information technology as a means of boosting industrial development.
Each scientific centre is:
providing a two-week course on existing computer architecture and useful numerical methods. providing training through research (defining projects that require effective use of high performance computers). creating a computer network to link it with other partners. developing collaborative projects with on emphasis on industrial applications.
Several committees hove been set up to ensure the smooth running of the project. A scientific committee is overseeing the creation of the computer network, a legal committee is handling the technicalities of linking the partners together to form a European economic interest grouping. This EEIG was planned from the start as a means of ensuring permanent cooperation. There is also on evaluation and monitoring committee mode up of experts from each member region.
Name: FinaHantic
Coordination: End of contract:
Description:
CRPM. lead region: Aquitoine 31/12/94
The object of this network is to support and fund some sixty tronsregionol investment projects on the Atlantic coast.
Rnatlontic will support feasibility studies. negotiations with public or private partners and the preparation of a financial plan.
The partners are bonks and other financial institutions. venture capital companies and regional development agencies. Rnatlontic has five agencies in the field, co-financed by their host municipal or regional authorities.
Communication and coordination is maintained between the partners. The five agencies hove circulated information widely and numerous investment projects hove been examined by the partners.
To maintain the momentum of the projects, other commercial banks are to be invited to finance them. For example, the project is examining a package to rescue a small Portuguese aviation company and offer several countries a stoke in it a total of 30m FFr. is needed.
RECrrE Office 39
The Progress of Article 10 Interregional Cooperation Network Projects
Nome: Coast
Coordination: Down District End of contract: 31/12/93- extended until31/3/94
Description:
A network of coastal regions to resolve similar economic and environmental problems. The network has undertaken sharing of experience through programmes of practical action. A series of pilot projects will serve as demonstrations in the following fields:
to realise the competitive potential of SMEs, encouraging innovation and job creation
to improve the potential of human resources and to combat problems caused by seasonal employment through joint projects for training and training exchanges
to develop a joint approach to strategies designed to attract new inward investment and infrastructure
to involve other seaside areas in COAST to ensure the widest possible dissemination of information and experience.
The project is of specific interest to coastal regions and it demonstrates their need for interregional cooperation. Responsibility for three sub-programmes is shared by the nine partners: enterprise and vocational training, development of new tourist markets, and expansion of local economic bases.
Each region is responsible for one demonstration project: tourism centre, employment centre, SME support agency. a conference on coastal heritage, a tourism development strategy, a rural development strategy and seminars on endogenous development.
Nome: Environet
Coordination: End of contract:
Description:
Horsens 31/12/94
The object of this scheme is to transfer know-how in urban planning. public administration and environmental management. Two partner cities place their experience at the service of three other cities.
To do this, five local coordination centres undertake the task of circulating information. These centres are the catalysts for key projects. intersectoral activity and promotion/publicity initiatives. They oct as mediators for interaction between citizens, the public sector and other cities of the Community. The centres also serve to enhance social welfare. economic performance and administrative efficiency.
A further goal is to launch three key projects to be coordinated by the centres:
Moster plan for the environment: waste treatment, sewage systems, etc.
Training in public administration: management of environmental and health services, strategic information. management traini~. etc.
Health plan: self-help groups, neighbourhood networks. reduction of medecine usage.
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The Progress of Anicle 10 Interregional Cooperation Network Projects
Name: Sea/ink
Coordination: Petras End of contract: 31/12/93- extension until31/3/94
Description:
This is a project leading to coordination and cooperation between ports. The main object is to improve the PetrosBrindisi link by exchanging experience with more advanced ports: LUbeck and Restock.
The pilot phase comprises five stages:
Database of traffic flows between Petras and Brindisi. Use of information from the database to develop a forecasting model. Draft master plan of the port facilities in both towns. with emphasis on new combined transport technology; this is to serve as a basis for discussion of port and urban planning. Development of a management system for coordinating the work of all authorities involved in port and urban planning. Development of an integrated waste management system.
The purpose of the network is to gain experience that can be applied to other ports. thus enabling the enlargement of the network.
Name: Demilitarised
Coordination: End of contract:
Description:
Kaiserslautern 31/12/94
This network is aimed at minimising the effects of demilitarisation by developing models for structural adjustment at locations of military establishments and defence-related industries. Its main areas of concern are: urban and regional development. economic aspects. environmental protection. housing. infrastructure. and social and cultural affairs.
The project aims to create:
a concept for managing structural crises resulting from arms reductions and the closure of military bases. a publicity campaign directed at the European Community. politicians and the public at large to raise awareness of the problem and to press for measures to support these areas. a special EC programme for regions and cities worst affected by the reduced mftitary presence.
Tasks are allocated to three working groups as follows:
Group 1: diversification of armaments industries Group 2: research into commercial potential of military sites Group 3: research into the environmental and social impact of disarmament.
A workshop on diversification of defence-related industries has been held; a guide to the commercial classification of military sites has been produced; an action plan for civil use of former military sites is in progress and a database has been set up to make available all the information gathered by the network to date.
RECITE Offtee 41
The Progress of Article 10 Intemgional Cooperation Network Projects
Name: Technology transfer
Coordination: Lower Saxony End of contract: 31/12/94- extended until30/6/95
Description:
The purpose of this network is to enable SMEs in each region to cope with competition and the globalisotion of the advanced technology market. to adjust more rapidly to the market to achieve flexibility in production. to increase profitability and to develop innovative technological products.
" The projecf s four lines of development are:
to set up o computerised communication system to exchange data.
to facilitate the targeted search for partner firms for the production and marketing of high-technology products.
to promote interregional and vertical technology transfer by creating on information system supported by a database (results of scientific research and development. advanced technology available at universities. research laboratories and firms).
to facilitate targeted search for firms with experience of utilisation or application of advanced technology and to support exchanges.
The project aims ultimately to exchange information through the use of a shared model. A common inventory of applied research and technology available in the regions will be prepared.
Name: Rebuild
Coordination: End of contract:
Description:
Corfu 31/12/94
The object of this network is to improve medium-term energy planning in its member cities. These are joinffy investigating ways of using advanced solar energy technology in buildings in their historic centres. The programme involves planning of these experiments for specific cases. One of the aims of the network is to reduce the cost of installing solar equipment.
At the end of the programme each of the cities should have
a medium-term energy plan for the building sector.
a technical study on installation of solar equipment in one or two buildings.
a detailed economic and technical plan for implementing these studies.
In addition to exchanges of experience between the network partners. contacts have been made with other RECITE networks to exchange relevant information. Some expansion of activities is planned; this emerged for example at a symposium held at Rhodes entitled •General policies and specific strategies for the integration of renewable energies in historical city centres•.
RECrrE Offrce 42
The Progress of Article 10 Interregional Cooperation Nenvort Projects
Name: Resigmut
Coordination: End of Contract:
Description:
Zamora 31/12/94
Resigmur aims to stimulate cooperation between regions and make administration more efficient by providing local authorities with geographical information systems.
The project is in four stages:
identifiying priorities for modemising administration.
setting up a geographical information system designed to meet users· needs - it will toke six months to train staff to use the system and to update and correct the data.
evaluating improvements in administrative efficiency.
deciding on measures necessary in order to extend the project to other local authorities. A guide to procedures will be prepared for new members.
Most of the partners are equipped to install the geographical information system. To meet the project coordinator's target. cities· performance will hove to improve by some 25%. The network is intended to facilitate the sharing of experience. to offer psychological support to partners and to expand to take in other cities. Additional cities have already applied for membership.
Name: Idee
Coordination: End of contract:
Description:
CEMR - lead municipality. Kalamaria 31/12/94
This network is the result of experience gained in different cities in helping young people. the long-term unemployed. and others in difficulty get back into the job market.
The network is active in three main areas:
development of reintegration structures. notably the creation of a European institute to train directors of municipal and para municipal integration enterprises at Kalamaria and the establishment of a European fund to support municipal enterprises.
organisation of training courses in the tourist business and the media.
circulation of information and evaluation of work in progress. An electronic bulletin board will be set up to disseminate information.
Each initiative in this project is the responsibility of one of the partner cities. The project was initiated by the CEMR and has been led by Kalamaria.
RECITE Office 43
The Progress of Article 10 Interregional Cooperation Network Projects
Name: Compostela Foret
Coordination: Aquitaine End of contract: 31/12/94- extended until31/12/95
Description:
This is a programme of cooperation between forest regions in preserving and modernising the forestry resources to tum them into an instrument for overall economic development.
The main initiatives are:
an experimental network to help regions adopt new. common experimental methods and to facilitate the development of know-how.
economic and legal harmonisation of production. based on study of the economic and legal situation of production in the ten partner regions.
interregional action to train trainers so as to raise forestry training standards to a common level.
risk prevention. through modernisation of management systems and fire prevention; further research will investigate what impact the intensification of forestry has on the forest environment.
In all. twen1y-four pilot initiatives will be implemented in the ten regions in five fields of activity.
Name: Eurosynet
Coordination: End of contract:
Description:
Cork 31/12/94
This network aims to encourage local authorities to improve their socio-economic services. Know-how is exchanged through joint action on the promotion of tourism. commercial assignments. reclamation of derelict sites. renewal of neighbourhoods and public market sites. The longer term aim is to create employment. new activity and services better adapted to the economic situation.
Cooperation is organised into five interdependent schemes:
town and country planning. geared to protection of the environment. reclamation of derelict land and renewal of residential neighbourhoods.
education and training aimed specifically at encouraging SMEs to open up to foreign morke1s.
local development initiatives to ensure the survival of businesses. and to provide training in the creation of local economic development ums.
development of tourism in the partner regions and promotion of urban tourism.
in the case of public markets. the aim is to improve understanding of new Community regulations on markets among government departmen1s and industrial and commercial suppliers.
The project coordinators are looking into the possibility of forming on EEIG to provide the network with a structure enabling cooperation to continue after co-funding by ERDF ceases.
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The Progress of Anicle 10 Interregional Cooperation Nenvork Projects
Name: Urban Observatoty
Coordination: End of contract:
Description:
Barcelona 31/12/94
The object of this network is to create a database and a system to aid decision-making. to be shared by the ten member cities and which will help them make decisions and reinforce the role of urban centres in their respective regions.
The system will process numerical data. graphics. maps and text necessary for urban development work. for the planning or evaluation of urban policy and for the sharing of experience. The installation of the system raises a number of issues relating to database management geographical information systems. decision-making aids ond o communication network to enable oil the member cities to access the system.
Name: Economic Cooperation
Coordination: End of contract:
Description:
Andolucio 31/12/94
A collaboration between regions targeting SMEs. institutes of technology and local ond regional authorities ond agencies. this network is intended to create partnerships ond joint projects:
To promote economic cooperation between SMEs, it will promote: commercial collaboration ond the establishment of soles networks, foreign investment - encouraging both direct investment and joint ventures. development of education and training in new technology. For cooperation between research instiMes. the oim is to encourage exchanges of staff and the transfer of technology. Cooperation between public authorities ond agencies will toke place through the exchange of know-how on regional planning. updating of information on financial incentives, ond seminars on commerce and investment.
Each participating region is responsible for organising o conference on o chosen subject (environment, energy) at which the different partners put forward proposals ond forge links with businesses. research centres ond public authorities to expedite their chosen project.
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The Progress of Article 10 Interregional Cooperation Nenvork Projects
Name: Strategy tor Cities
Coordination: End of Contract:
Description:
CEMR - lead ci1y, Evora 31/12/94
This network aims to develop the specific attractions of medium-sized cities in terms of development plans and local govemment/SME partnerships.
The programme has three aspects:
The first is to enhance the techniques and expertise needed by medium-sized cities to prepare genuine strategic development plans.
The second comprises four sectoral reinforcements: partnership between local authorities and private firms. improvement of the urban environment, processing of solid and inert waste. and the situation of ageing populations in the 1990s.
The third comprises three concrete measures to circulate information: creation of a European centre for the development of urban strategy based at existing educational establishments; design and publication of a folder and a regular bulletin; organisation of a conference for the presentation of the work to towns and cities outside the network.
Evora leads the project. A study has been conducted on ways of matching the interests of cities with those of businesses. Research has also been done on the processing of solid and inert waste. A training seminar for the cities to introduce their leaders to urban planning issues will take place.
RECrrE OffiCe 46
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